Jowett & Lewis Family Dentistry in Topeka, KS, offers advanced restorative implant services designed to replace missing teeth and restore functionality and aesthetics to your smile. Our team, including seasoned professionals like Dr. Lewis and Dr. Jowett, is skilled in the latest implant techniques to provide long-lasting, natural-looking solutions.
Symptoms Indicating the Need for Restorative Implants
Restorative implants might be necessary if you experience:
- Loss of one or more teeth
- Difficulty chewing or speaking due to missing teeth
- A desire to improve a smile affected by missing teeth
- Jawbone loss or deterioration
- The need to replace ill-fitting dentures or bridges
Why Restorative Implants are Needed
Restorative implants are crucial for:
- Replacing missing teeth and restoring full dental function
- Preventing bone loss and maintaining facial structure
- Offering a permanent solution compared to dentures or bridges
- Improving oral health and overall quality of life
Treatment Process for Restorative Implants
Our restorative implant process includes:
- Comprehensive Evaluation: A thorough assessment of your oral health to determine suitability for implants.
- Custom Treatment Planning: Designing a personalized implant plan to meet your specific needs.
- Implant Placement: Surgically inserting the titanium implant post into the jawbone.
- Healing and Osseointegration: Allowing time for the implant to integrate with the bone.
- Abutment Placement: Attaching the abutment to the implant post once healing is complete.
- Custom Crown Fabrication: Crafting a custom crown to match the natural appearance of your teeth.
- Final Crown Placement: Securing the crown onto the abutment for a complete restoration.
- Follow-up and Maintenance: Regular check-ups to ensure the longevity and health of the implant.
Prevention
To maintain your restorative implants:
- Practice diligent oral hygiene, including brushing, flossing, and using mouthwash
- Avoid hard or sticky foods that could damage the implant
- Schedule regular dental visits for check-ups and cleanings
Outlook
With proper care, restorative implants can last for many years, providing a durable and effective solution for missing teeth.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Am I a candidate for dental implants?
You may be a candidate for dental implants if you have missing, broken or severely decayed teeth and are in relatively good overall health. However, you must also have enough bone mass to support the implant, as well as healthy gum tissue to support the dental prosthetic. To determine if you are an ideal candidate for dental implants, schedule a consultation with one of our dentists at Jowett & Lewis Family Dentistry today.
What can I expect when having dental implants placed at Jowett & Lewis Family Dentistry?
When having dental implants placed at our Topeka dentist office your treatment will consist of multiple stages:
- Bone augmentation procedures – in the case that you do not have enough bone mass, your dentist may recommend a bone graft or sinus lift. Both of these procedures add bone material to areas of low bone density in order to promote the growth of new bone. After having a bone graft or sinus lift, it will take a few months for new bone to grow. This stage may or may not be needed, depending on your individual case.
- The surgical implant placement procedure (about an hour) – During this first stage of dental implants, Dr. Jowett or Dr. Lewis will make a small incision in the gums. This allows them to place the dental implants into the jawbone and attach a connector piece known as the abutment. The gums will then be sutured around the abutment.
- The healing and preparation period (between three to six months) – During this stage of your treatment you’ll be expected to follow specific postoperative instructions in order to allow your implant to heal properly. Once your implant has healed, you can be fitted for your permanent dental prosthetic.
Dr. Jowett and Dr. Lewis will be right here with you every step of the way to make sure that all is going well throughout your treatment period.
What can I expect after having dental implants placed?
After having dental implants placed, you will be provided with postoperative instructions to follow, including:
- Taking antibiotics or other medications for a few days
- Avoiding certain foods and beverages while your mouth heals, such as hot or cold drinks, hard candy and sticky foods. Soft foods are recommended during the recovery period.
- Keeping the surgical site clean
- Temporarily abstaining from certain activities
In the first few days following your implant surgery, it is normal to experience some minor discomfort, swelling, and bruising. In most cases, these symptoms will resolve within a few days and can usually be managed with over the counter pain medications.
What Are Dental Implants Made Of?
Dental implants are typically made of titanium, a material well-suited for fusing with the jawbone and providing a strong foundation for replacement teeth.
How Long Do Restorative Implants Last?
With proper care, restorative implants can last for decades, often serving as a lifelong solution for missing teeth.
Are Dental Implants Suitable for Everyone?
Dental implants are a viable option for most people; however, factors like overall health, bone density, and gum health are considered to determine suitability.
Secure Your Smile with Our Advanced Restorative Implant Services
For expert restorative implant services, choose Jowett & Lewis Family Dentistry in Topeka, KS. Call us at 785-272-3864 to schedule a consultation and take the first step towards a complete and confident smile.
